Konoha had long embraced electricity, dating back to the era of the Second Hokage. Utility poles lined the streets, and storage batteries were widespread. Their power seemed almost limitless, though no one fully understood why—perhaps it was the result of combining chakra with technology.
Contrary to what some might have thought, I didn't skip over an entire year. When I mentioned "over a year" in the previous chapter, I was referring to the time since Orochimaru officially became Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciple. Over a year had passed since she had stepped into the role of Genin, beginning her long, winding journey in the ninja world.
The text frequently refers to missions, though not every mission is recorded. Only D-rank and C-rank missions were documented in detail. Completing missions took time; training took time; and Orochimaru's research took even more time, especially when she had to earn research funds through results provided to her angel investor. Praise be to Danzo Shimura, whose support and occasional inspiration fueled her breakthroughs when she felt lost. Danzo!
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The Caged Bird Curse Mark
"This is all I know… about the Caged Bird," Hyuga Mio confessed, her voice trembling slightly as she revealed everything she knew about the mysterious Curse Mark. Orochimaru, eyes glinting with curiosity, studied her intently.
"The Caged Bird Curse Mark on you is connected to your brain tissue and optic nerves," she explained. "It forces the Byakugan—which should grant a 360-degree field of vision—to have a one-degree blind spot."
Orochimaru rose gracefully, dusting off her robe. She walked behind Hyuga Mio and lightly pointed at her back. "Roughly in this area, yes?"
Hyuga Mio's eyes widened, instinctively stepping back. "Do you… mean to harm me?"
Orochimaru's lips curved slightly. "Don't be so nervous. I wouldn't hurt you."
Her gaze fell on the Caged Bird Curse Mark on Hyuga Mio's forehead. "Tell me, Mio. Do you want to break free from the main family's restraints?"
The question hit Hyuga Mio like a shockwave. "What? Even if you are the Third Hokage's disciple… do you know what you're saying?"
Orochimaru's tone was calm but firm. "The Caged Bird Curse Mark serves two purposes: restraint and protection. The Byakugan is coveted by many in the ninja world. Without this mark… well, your eyes might constantly be a target."
Hyuga Mio's expression darkened. Orochimaru continued, "The rogue ninja you encountered recently… if he hadn't known you were from the branch family, would he have spared your eyes? I heard your teammates say he explicitly mentioned the value of the Hyuga bloodline on the black market."
Orochimaru's mind worked swiftly, weighing the pros and cons of the Curse Mark. Why didn't every Hyuga have it? The mark was a safeguard, yet also a limitation. History had shown that those who coveted the Byakugan often resorted to abduction or violence, as had happened to Hyuga Hinata in the original story.
Mio clenched her fists, veins protruding on her temples. "So… my branch family status actually saved me?"
"Exactly. But if you let me study the Curse Mark, I'm confident I can neutralize its effects," Orochimaru said, her golden eyes narrowing like a snake preparing to strike. "Complete removal would be tricky, and you wouldn't want everyone targeting your eyes, would you?"
Hyuga Mio hesitated, tempted, but cautious. "I… I'll consider it," she murmured.
Orochimaru watched her retreating form, a sly smile tugging at her lips. Patience, she thought. The opportunity will come.
---
Half a Month Earlier
"Hiruzen-sensei, did you call me?" Orochimaru entered the Hokage office, her face calm yet inquisitive. The office was quiet, devoid of Tsunade or any Genin. It wasn't a mission briefing.
"Hmm… Orochimaru, we've had a lot of injured recently," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, concern etched on his face. "The medical team is overwhelmed. How is your progress with Medical Ninjutsu?"
"Treating minor injuries isn't a problem," Orochimaru replied lightly, though her sharp eyes noted the gravity of the situation. She didn't expect seriously injured ninja to be left solely in her hands, but her curiosity was piqued.
"I need you at the hospital, Orochimaru," Hiruzen said earnestly. "I'm counting on you."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "C-rank or B-rank mission?"
Hiruzen hesitated. "Uh… C-rank… for now."
Orochimaru's eyes glimmered with mild disdain. You wanted free labor, huh?
"The patrol team encountered spies attempting to infiltrate the village," Hiruzen continued gravely. "Two Genin squads were attacked by rogue ninja. Serious injuries require multiple medical ninja. We're stretched thin."
Orochimaru bowed slightly. "I understand. I'll go immediately."
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Leaf Hospital
"Orochimaru! You're here too!" Tsunade's eyes lit up when she saw Orochimaru, dressed in a nurse's uniform. The combination of her pale skin and sharp features in the uniform gave her an unexpected elegance.
"It suits you perfectly," Tsunade praised, giving a thumbs-up.
Orochimaru scowled lightly. "I'm here because Hiruzen-sensei asked. Not for compliments."
Walking into the ward, Orochimaru found Hyuga Mio, her forehead protector removed to reveal the Curse Mark. "It seems your squad ran into trouble," Orochimaru remarked.
"It's you!" Mio exclaimed, startled.
"Don't move, or you'll reopen your wound." Orochimaru's tone was firm but professional. She quickly assessed the injury and activated the Mystical Palm Technique, healing the wound with practiced precision.
"You… you're a medical ninja?!" Hyuga Mio asked in disbelief.
"No one said you can't learn medical ninjutsu if you aren't formally a medical ninja," Orochimaru replied, glancing at the Curse Mark. She considered using this rare opportunity to study it but decided against exploiting the girl's vulnerability.
"Too slow," she muttered, forming hand signs. Two Shadow Clones appeared, mirroring her movements. Together, they treated Hyuga Mio efficiently, restoring her color and vigor.
Orochimaru observed the soldier pills Mio offered. "These are specially made. You can take them or discard them."
Mio hesitated, touching the Curse Mark on her forehead. "Th-thank you," she whispered.
Orochimaru nodded, then continued tending other injured ninja, gathering information from the squads about the rogue ninja attacks.
Even during peace, rogue ninja appeared for countless reasons, Orochimaru mused as she left the ward.
---
Training by the Lake
"Orochimaru! Over here!"
Hearing Tsunade's call, Orochimaru turned to see her punching through layers of Earth Release Mud Walls she had created. Her body shimmered with visible Lightning Release Chakra, her skin glowing under the energy.
"I did it!" Tsunade exclaimed. "Lightning Release Ninjutsu complete!"
Orochimaru studied the broken mud walls. Tsunade's technique wasn't like the Raikage's Lightning Release Chakra Mode, which enveloped the whole body. Instead, she had developed a method to channel Lightning Release Chakra through her meridians, stimulating key acupuncture points to enhance reflexes, speed, and explosive power.
"It's remarkable," Orochimaru admitted, impressed despite herself. "Your strength has evolved beyond your former self."
She thought of Jiraiya, remembering his antics and hoping he would train hard to avoid a similar fate when confronting Tsunade.
"This is all thanks to your guidance, Orochimaru!" Tsunade exclaimed, rushing forward. She had forgotten she was still maintaining her chakra flow. Orochimaru could only watch as her friend's excitement carried her forward in a blur.
---
Orochimaru smiled faintly. Even as she navigated healing, research, and training, the ninja world kept evolving around her. In every wound healed and every technique perfected, the threads of destiny moved quietly, weaving the future of Konoha, one careful step at a time.